Textbook-Integrated Guide to Educational Resources

TIGER

The Periodic Table: Facts or Committees?William B. JensenI would like to offer two observations relative to the recent letter of Clark and White on the representation of the f-block elements in the periodic table that relate to some disturbing trends in the attitudes of the chemical community towards the nature and use of the periodic tableattitudes that are implicit, though perhaps not intentionally so, in their letter.Jensen, William B. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1491.

Periodicity / Periodic Table

Response to "The Flyleaf Periodic Table"Laurence LavelleClark and White wonder why the chemistry education community has not uniformly adopted just one form of the periodic table. Part of the answer is that the majority who are silent on this issue do not want to be attacked by the vocal proponents who insist that lanthanum and actinium must be in the f-block and lutetium and lawrencium must be in the d-block.Lavelle, Laurence. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1491.

Periodicity / Periodic Table

The Flyleaf Table: An AlternativePhilip J. StewartIn their consideration of three ways of treating the f-block elements in the standard periodic table, Clark and White opt to footnote a set 15-elements-wide, including both La and Lu, Ac, and Lr. Their only grounds seem to be that this is what IUPAC chose in 2005, but that decision sounds like an attempt to please everyone, which in the end will please no one.Stewart, Philip J. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1490.

Forecasting Periodic Trends: A Semester-Long Team Exercise for Nonscience MajorsJohn TierneyTeams of students in a course for nonscience majors identify trends among the properties of elements in the periodic table, use Excel to plot and produce best-fit equations to describe relationships among those properties, and apply the resulting formulas to predict and justify the properties of missing elements.Tierney, John. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1215.

Atomic Properties / Structure |

Computational Chemistry |

Main-Group Elements |

Nonmetals |

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Metals |

Student-Centered Learning

Connecting Solubility, Equilibrium, and Periodicity in a Green, Inquiry Experiment for the General Chemistry LaboratoryKristen L. Cacciatore, Jose Amado, Jason J. Evans, and Hannah SevianPresents a novel first-year chemistry experiment that asks students to replicate procedures described in sample lab reports that lack essential information. This structure is designed to promote students' experimental design and data analysis skills as well as their understanding of the importance and essential qualities of written and verbal communication between scientists.Cacciatore, Kristen L.; Amado, Jose; Evans, Jason J.; Sevian, Hannah. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 251.

Equilibrium |

Green Chemistry |

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Solutions / Solvents |

Stoichiometry |

Titration / Volumetric Analysis

The Different Periodic Tables of Dmitrii MendeleevMichael LaingBetween 1869 and 1905 the Russian chemist Dmitrii Mendeleev published several tables with different arrangements of the chemical elements. Four of these are compared with periodic tables by Russian scientists from 1934 and 1969.Laing, Michael. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 63.

Mistake of Having Students Be Mendeleev for Just a DayBrett CriswellThis article discusses several conceptual features underlying a genuine understanding of the periodic table and describes a set of activities focused on promoting such awareness in students using the FERA (focus, explore, reflect, and apply) learning cycle model.Criswell, Brett. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1140.

A Mnemonic for Representative Element GroupsTimothy Chambers and Jennifer ArabIt is unclear whether memorizing nonsense-words is any simpler than the task it aims to ease.Chambers, Timothy; Arab, Jennifer. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1761.

Nonmajor Courses |

Periodicity / Periodic Table

A Mnemonic for Representative Element GroupsTimothy Chambers and Jennifer ArabIt is unclear whether memorizing nonsense-words is any simpler than the task it aims to ease.Chambers, Timothy; Arab, Jennifer. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1761.

Nonmajor Courses |

Periodicity / Periodic Table

Are Some Elements More Equal Than Others?Ronald L. RichPresents a new periodic chart with 18 columns but no interruptions of atomic numbers at Lanthanum or Actinum, and no de-emphasis of elements 57-71 or 89-103 by seeming to make footnotes of them. It shows some elements more than once in order to illuminate multiple relationships in chemical behavior. Rich, Ronald L. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1761.

Using History to Teach Scientific Method: The Role of ErrorsCarmen J. GiuntaThis paper lists five kinds of error with examples of each from the development of chemistry in the 18th and 19th centuries: erroneous theories (phlogiston), seeing a new phenomenon everywhere one seeks it (Lavoisier and the decomposition of water), theories erroneous in detail but nonetheless fruitful (Dalton's atomic theory), rejection of correct theories (Avogadro's hypothesis), and incoherent insights (J. A. R. Newlands' classification of the elements). Giunta, Carmen J. J. Chem. Educ.2001, 78, 623.

Nonmajor Courses |

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Kinetic-Molecular Theory |

Stoichiometry

Ionization Energies, Parallel Spins, and the Stability of Half-Filled ShellsPeter CannThree methods for explaining the decrease in first ionization energies between group V and group VI elements are described and commented upon. The quantum mechanical origin of the unhelpful concept of half-shell stability is explained in terms of exchange energy, for which the alternative term parallel spin avoidance factor is suggested. It is recommended that for pre-university students the simplest explanation, in terms of Coulombic repulsion between two electrons occupying the same orbital, is adopted: it involves fewer difficult concepts than the other explanations and its predictions are no less accurate. Cann, Peter. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 1056.

A Different Approach to a 3-D Periodic System Including Stable IsotopesAlexandru T. BalabanOn a Periodic System with the two dimensions represented by Periods and Columns, one may stack each stable nuclide of an element along the third dimension. This "Downtown Area" representation is helpful for interconnecting concepts of: element, isotope or nuclide (stable vs. radioactive), atomic weight, atomic number, mass number. Balaban, Alexandru T. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 359.

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Isotopes |

Nuclear / Radiochemistry

How Good Is the Quantum Mechanical Explanation of the Periodic System?Eric R. ScerriThe use of quantum mechanics, or more specifically, orbitals and electronic configurations in teaching general chemistry is now such a widespread trend that it would be utterly futile to try to reverse it. Moreover, orbitals and configurations have been extremely useful in providing a theoretical framework for the unification of a multitude of chemical facts. Scerri, Eric R. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1384.

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Quantum Chemistry |

Theoretical Chemistry

A Note on the Term "Chalcogen"William B. JensenIt is argued that the best translation of the term "chalcogen" is "ore former." It is further suggested that the term chalcogenide should be replaced with the term chalcide in order to maintain a parallelism with the terms halogen and halide. Jensen, William B. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 1063.

Studying Activity Series of Metals: Using Deep-Learning StrategiesHoon, Tien-Ghun; Goh, Ngoh-Khang; Chia, Lian-SaiUses a unit of the activity series of metals to demonstrate the teaching of the interrelationships between chemical concepts by linking new information to previously known material.Hoon, Tien-Ghun; Goh, Ngoh-Khang; Chia, Lian-Sai J. Chem. Educ.1995, 72, 51.

Visualization of the Abstract in General ChemistryPaselk, Richard A.A series of software programs for beginning chemistry, including a series of modules addressing the fundamental phenomena associated with bonding, the microscopic phenomena underlying commonly observed systems, and a reference periodic table.Paselk, Richard A. J. Chem. Educ.1994, 71, 225.

A procedure for determining formulas for the simple p-block oxoacidsKildahl, Nicholas K.Formulae for p-block oxoacids baffle high school and undergraduate students. This paper presents a procedure for developing these formulas based on the concept of total coordination number of the central atom in the molecule or ion.Kildahl, Nicholas K. J. Chem. Educ.1991, 68, 1001.

The periodic table - A new arrangementLaing, MichaelSuggestion for a new arrangement of elements in the periodic table to best indicate the relationships between subgroups.Laing, Michael J. Chem. Educ.1989, 66, 746.

Periodicity / Periodic Table

Designing a periodic table: A laboratory approachIrons, Mary E.What follows is a laboratory approach to help students gain some insight to the relationship of the elements on the table and also to help students review the scientific method.Irons, Mary E. J. Chem. Educ.1989, 66, 155.

Principles of electronegativity Part I. General natureSanderson, R. T.The concept of electronegativity has been modified, expanded, and debated. The concept can be used to help students gain valuable insights and understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between atomic structure and compound properties. This is the first in a series of articles that explores the important concept of electronegativity.Sanderson, R. T. J. Chem. Educ.1988, 65, 112.

Electrochemistry |

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Noncovalent Interactions |

Atomic Properties / Structure |

Physical Properties |

Enrichment / Review Materials

Periodic contractions among the elements: Or, on being the right sizeMason, JoanContraction across the row, irregularities in the build up of the periodic table, the second row anomaly relativistic contraction and expansion among the heavier elements, post-transition anomaly, periodicities of physicochemical properties.Mason, Joan J. Chem. Educ.1988, 65, 17.

An upward view of the periodic table: Getting to the bottom of itGuenther, William B.Develops the 18-group basis of the periodic table; shows that, while the 1-18 designations can give unambiguous information to students, no printed designations are needed for teaching; and shows how to obtain unique, physical group definitions that avoid the problems of conflicting and changeable chemical interpretations.Guenther, William B. J. Chem. Educ.1987, 64, 9.

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Atomic Properties / Structure

The periodic table as a data baseGoth, George W.76. Bits and pieces, 31. A software program helps students better understand periodicity.Goth, George W. J. Chem. Educ.1986, 63, 836.

Periodicity / Periodic Table

Exploring chemistry by computer: KC? Discoverer Feng, Aw; Moore, John W.70. Bits and pieces, 28. This program provides students with a computer-searchable handbook of chemical facts for all the elements.Feng, Aw; Moore, John W. J. Chem. Educ.1986, 63, 327.

Building a periodic tableFowler, Linda S.The activity described in this paper yielded comments such as, "I've never had so much fun taking a test. That was great" and "That lady must be crazy - that was impossible". Student understanding of periodic trends are authentically challenged and assessed in this problem.Fowler, Linda S. J. Chem. Educ.1981, 58, 634.

Periodicity / Periodic Table

A classroom learning cycle: Using diagrams to classify matterJames, Helen J.; Nelson, Samuel L.A learning cycle is developed that deals with the classification of matter and is designed to provide students with an understanding in terms of atom, molecule, element, compound, solution, and heterogeneous matter. [Debut]James, Helen J.; Nelson, Samuel L. J. Chem. Educ.1981, 58, 476.

What is an element?Kolb, DorisReviews the history of the discovery, naming, and representation of the elements; the development of the spectroscope and the periodic table; radioactive elements and isotopes; allotropes; and the synthesis of future elements.Kolb, Doris J. Chem. Educ.1977, 54, 696.

Chemical aspects of Bohr's 1913 theoryKragh, HelgeThe chemical content of Bohr's 1913 theory has generally been neglected in the treatises on the history of chemistry; this paper regards Bohr as a theoretical chemist and discusses the chemical aspects of his atomic theory.Kragh, Helge J. Chem. Educ.1977, 54, 208.

Electronegativities and group IVA chemistryPayne, Dwight A., Jr.; Fink, Frank HallThe teacher of inorganic chemistry should present the representative elements of group IVA and their properties as an intellectual and empirical form of investigation rather than as a mere collection of information.Payne, Dwight A., Jr.; Fink, Frank Hall J. Chem. Educ.1966, 43, 654.

Models for demonstrating electronegativity and "partial charge"Sanderson, R. T.Describes a three-dimensional set of atomic models arranged periodically to illustrate trend in electronegativity and the use of molecular models to illustrate important concepts in general chemistry. Sanderson, R. T. J. Chem. Educ.1959, 36, 507.

Atomic Properties / Structure |

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Molecular Modeling |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

Crystals / Crystallography |

Nonmetals

The atomic form periodic tableStrong, Frederick C.Presents an "atomic form" of the periodic table, which offers some advantages to the standard organization.Strong, Frederick C. J. Chem. Educ.1959, 36, 344.

Periodicity / Periodic Table

A schematic representation of valenceSanderson, R. T.This paper describes a new chart representing the valence structure of atoms; by studying this chart, with the help of a few simple rules, students of elementary chemistry can acquire a useful understanding of chemical combination.Sanderson, R. T. J. Chem. Educ.1958, 35, 541.

Atomic Properties / Structure |

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Enrichment / Review Materials |

Transition Elements |

Metals |

Nonmetals

Teaching electron configurationsEichinger, Jack W., Jr.Time can be saved and confusion avoided by developing a systematic chart of the elements based on the energy levels of atomic orbitals very early in the general college chemistry course.Eichinger, Jack W., Jr. J. Chem. Educ.1957, 34, 504.

Atomic Properties / Structure |

Periodicity / Periodic Table

A periodic table and new periodic functionsSzabo, Z. G.; Lakatos, B.A theoretically correct yet simple periodic system may be obtained by rearranging the long periodic table in such a way that the inert gases are situated in the middle.Szabo, Z. G.; Lakatos, B. J. Chem. Educ.1957, 34, 429.

Periodicity / Periodic Table

A new periodic chart with electronegativitiesSanderson, R. T.This paper describes a new chart that has been designed to portray clearly and vividly patterns in relative atomic radius, electronic configuration, and electronegativity.Sanderson, R. T. J. Chem. Educ.1956, 33, 443.

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Atomic Properties / Structure

A new periodic table based on the energy sequence of atomic orbitalsWalker, W. R.; Curthoys, G. C.Since the theory of atomic and molecular orbitals has proven to be of such value in interpreting the data of inorganic chemistry, it is hoped that a new periodic table based on the energy sequence of atomic orbitals will be an aid to the further systematizing of chemical knowledge.Walker, W. R.; Curthoys, G. C. J. Chem. Educ.1956, 33, 69.

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Atomic Properties / Structure

A variable periodic systemScheer, RoderichThis variable periodic system uses small cards to represent each elements and can be arranged to illustrate the short or long forms of the periodic table.Scheer, Roderich J. Chem. Educ.1955, 32, 590.

A cut-out chart of the periodic systemClauson, Jennie E.Colored discs in a cylinder of transparent plastic represent the arrangement of elements in the periodic table. Also provides a chart that can be cut out and turned into a similar cylinder.Clauson, Jennie E. J. Chem. Educ.1954, 31, 550.

The long form of the periodic tableGlockler, George; Popov, A. I.The authors comment on the independent publication of a periodic table similar to one they produced earlier.Glockler, George; Popov, A. I. J. Chem. Educ.1952, 29, 358.

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Atomic Properties / Structure

The periodic table: The 6d-5f mixed transition groupCoryell, Charles D.With relatively few modifications, the Bohr-type periodic table presented by Glocker and Popov can be made to reflect more instructively the rather complex relationships obtained in the neighborhood of the 4f or gadolinium transition group and, more importantly, in the 6d-5f sequence extending from actinium through the region of uranium and the synthetic earths to element 103.Coryell, Charles D. J. Chem. Educ.1952, 29, 62.

Periodicity / Periodic Table |

Transition Elements |

Atomic Properties / Structure

The lanthanide contraction as a teaching aidKeller, R N.This paper presents a modified form of the atomic volume curve that illustrates graphically the lanthanide contraction; a number of chemical consequences of this effect are also discussed.Keller, R N. J. Chem. Educ.1951, 28, 312.